







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Come on in, here on the ground floor, we have two bedrooms... | |
| Anyway, this is Cate and her friends from work. | |
| Is that right? | |
| He is the bartender. | |
| Hmm... Tomorrow is a bank holiday. | |
| That's a good question! | |
| I searched: does Pinocchio know he is not a real boy. | |
| What about that table? It looks better. | |
| Umm, you can tell them it's our wedding anniversary. | |
| The recipe is for 6 people. | |
| Are you sure she is from Australia? | |
| We all love bank holidays. | |
| I don't think you really want me to stay here anymore! | |
| Australia is very strict with its customs rules. | |
| Do we have a mortar and pestle? | |
| It sounds like a good deal. | |
| Erm... You look about 30? | |
| Your perfectly shaped mushrooms are ready! | |
| Her name is Ayumi! | |
| Excuse me sir, here are your drinks and the menu. | |